Gov. Dave Heineman (left) and Gov.-elect Pete Ricketts stand for a photo op prior in the governor’s Capitol office prior to their meeting

Gov. Dave Heineman has hosted Governor-elect Pete Ricketts, their first meeting after the general election.

Ricketts said he and the governor plan to discuss budget and personnel as the transition begins.

“Really, what I hope to do is have the governor tell me what he thinks the priorities are,” Ricketts told reporters who crowded into the governor’s office at the Capitol. “He’s been doing this job for a long time. He’s got some good insights about what he thinks the priorities ought to be. He’s been through this before. So, that’s what I really hope to do is have him tell me what he thinks are going to be the priorities. Do a lot of listening, kind of what I did on the campaign trail.”

As for Heineman, he has promised to make this one of the best transitions in Nebraska history.

“I believe Gov. Ricketts is going to be an outstanding governor for the state. He’s got the background, business in terms of job creation, something that I have really focused on and he’s going to take it to the next level,” Heineman said.

Heineman said while the first order of business is to discuss the state budget Ricketts will present to the legislature, as well as personnel for the office, scheduling is a big issue for Ricketts to consider.

“This is a very busy office. There are a lot of demands on your time and you have to keep it in perspective,” Heineman stated, noting the governor faces a lot of challenges and issues. “I’ll try to give him my best insight, my experiences and my knowledge. And, again, he’s going to hit the ground running. He’s prepared.”